英国文化介绍：英式下午茶的前世今生_英美文化

英国文化介绍：英式下午茶的前世今生

in 1840, anna maria russell, the seventh duchess of bedford, started asking for a tea tray with butter, bread and cakes at 4 pm every day, as she found she was hungry at this time and the evening meal in her household was served fashionably late at 8 pm. she found this new habit difficult to break and soon invited other ladies in society to join her.

1840年，第七世贝德福德公爵夫人安娜•玛利亚•罗素每天都会吩咐仆人在下午4点备好一个盛有黄油、面包以及蛋糕的茶盘，因为她发现自己每天下午4点都会饿，而当时时兴的晚餐时间是晚上8点。很快她发现这个新习惯令人欲罢不能，便邀请另一些女士来加入其中。

this pause for tea quickly became a fashionable social event. during the 1880s, upperclass and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea.

这种茶歇很快便成了当时的社会潮流。到了19世纪80年代，上流社会女性则会为了享用一顿下午茶而专门换上长礼服、手套以及帽子。

what an afternoon tea includes

下午茶的内容

traditional afternoon tea, which is typically served between 4 pm and 6 pm, is technically a small meal, not a drink. it consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off are a classic), freshly baked scones served with cream and fruit jam, cakes and pastries. of course, tea or coffee, served with milk and sugar, is also provided.